Minneapolis Urban Robotics Alliance

MURA Robotics: Minneapolis Urban Robotics Alliance (MURA) operates a full-sized 27’ x 54’ FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) practice field in Lincoln School in North Minneapolis. Similar to athletics, the field gives teams the necessary practice to prepare for competition. Unlike athletics, just two fields serve scores of teams across the Twin Cities metro and, with robotics everyone can Go Pro!

FIRST Robotics is “Sport of the Mind” where motivated students develop leadership skills while designing and building robots to compete in a new game each year. FRC teams compete three against three in one or two regional competitions to qualify for the World Championship held each April. FRC is a varsity activity under Minnesota State High School League rules so there is also a State competition in May that caps the season.

MURA Robotics Field is operated by a consortium of FRC teams from Minneapolis Public Schools (MPS) and surrounding communities. Currently we are seeking new sustaining sponsors to supplement an in-kind contribution of space by Minneapolis Public Schools (MPS). MURA Field collaborates with east metro teams who gather at the Hmong College Preparatory Academy (HCPA Field) in St Paul. The two fields cooperate to allow teams to register once and reserve on either field for the FRC season from January through May.

Minnesota STEM Partnership is MURA’s neighborhood outreach partner. MN STEM introduces kids from elementary and middle school to FLL and FTC robotics, drones and AI cars so they develop the confidence to move up to FRC and on to careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM)

MURA Robotics Field is a gathering place for students and adult mentors, creating a rich environment for students to grow under the guidance of a variety of volunteer technical professionals. And, each January after the new game is announced, mentors and students from many teams work together to build the field elements for the game (and uban barn-raising of sorts)

MURA is developing a machine shop / maker space where team members can learn to use both manual and CNC tools while building their robot. The shop currently has a CNC mill, manual lathe, various saws, a sheet metal shear and brake, as well as metrology tools. 

Donations support development of robotics and skilled trades capability. 

Volunteers with machining, programming, and electronics skills are needed in the shop and by individual teams.